A demonstrator hold up a sign at an anti gun violence rally in downtown St. Louis. April 14, 2012 (KMOX/Brad Choat)

ST. LOUIS (KMOX/AP) – A St. Louis mother who had two sons shot to death in the 1990’s says she’s in favor of Missouri tightening its gun laws.

Elizabeth Watkins spoke at a rain-soaked anti gun violence rally downtown, Saturday, as the National Rifle Association holds its national convention in St. Louis, “As long as you are protecting yourself, fine. But just to be out on the streets carrying a gun like it’s the Wild Wild West again, I don’t believe in that.”

State Representative Jeanette Mott Oxford (D-St. Louis) said she had Florida’s Trayvon Martin case on her mind at the rally, “Trayvon Martin kind of situations have happened in Missouri, I’m well aware of that. And they will happen again. Anytime you put together prejudice with fear and bad gun laws, you will have tragedies like that.”

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre lashed out at the media, Saturday, during a speech at his group’s convention.

He said news outlets have sensationalized the Martin case and ignore everyday crime across the nation.

The NRA supports “stand your ground” laws like Florida and Missouri have, which allow people to use deadly force in acts of self-defense.